The 18-day Monsoon Session of the Parliament commenced on Monday amidst the ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus. Transparent plastic shields were installed on benches and members wore face masks and kept social distance,
Nearly 200 members were present in the Lok Sabha chamber and about 30 were accommodated in the visitors’ gallery positioned on top of the main chamber.
Key changes on the ongoing House proceedings till 1 October were implemented.
- Very few Lok Sabha members were occupying seats in the Rajya Sabha chamber were seen on the giant TV.
- Benches made for six members accommodated only three.
- Glass-like plastic shields of varied sizes were installed in front of benches. The guard also covered part of the members’ sides.
- All members were wearing masks. Some were also seen wearing face shields, including Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee.
- Rajya Sabha MPs were seated in the visitor’s gallery to ensure social distancing.
- Pens used by MPs to sign were being changed after every use, as per the new instructions.
- The front seats of the Treasury benches were occupied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting on a seat marked as number one, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on seat number 2, and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on seat number 3.
Lok Sabha met between 9 am and 1 pm on Monday, Rajya Sabha assembled between 3 pm and 7 pm.
Tuesday onwards, Rajya Sabha will meet in the morning and Lok Sabha in the afternoon.
